The producer and Jim Nabors spent a lot of time perfecting Gomer Pyle: USMC
Jim Nabors was known for being as authentic as his character, Gomer Pyle, on the 1964 series Gomer Pyle: U.S.M.C. A lot of what Nabors portrayed in the series reflected the morals, values, goals, and people he knew growing up in the small town he called home.
Both the character and the actor were country folk with "golly gee!" attitudes and humor that brought light to tough situations, inspiring many fans watching.
Fans first fell in love with Gomer during his time on The Andy Griffith Show, where he appeared in more than 20 episodes. When Gomer Pyle: U.S.M.C. went into production, half of the cast and crew were already familiar with his character from their time together on The Andy Griffith Show, including producer Aaron Ruben.
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According to a 1964 interview with Victoria Advocate, Nabors said he and Aaron Ruben became big fans of each other while working together on both series.
From finding ways to add new jokes to traveling down South to better understand the character, Ruben was dedicated to continuing the legacy Gomer Pyle left on The Andy Griffith Show—and no one appreciated that more than Jim Nabors.
"He is one person who really knows Gomer," Nabors said. "Aaron is one of the brightest faces in the business. He is from New York and when he began Andy's show, he knew very little of Southern life. So, he went to visit Andy's relatives in North Carolina to learn first hand."
In Gomer Pyle, U.S.M.C, both he and Ruben used Gomer's happy-go-lucky attitude as a backdrop to depict military life without the violence and intensity of war stories. It offered an idealized version of military service, filled with camaraderie rather than conflict and danger.
"For this show he went to the Marine Corps. and spent a lot of time learning what is real," Nabors said. "What we hope is funny, is Gomer bouncing off the ridged rules of the corps."
Nabors said he was aware of his success but often forgot just how successful he was. He would shake his head in disbelief over how much his character exploded—thanks in part to Aaron Ruben's dedication to crafting the role.